Electrical Engineer/Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer

Leidos • Des Plaines, IL

1d

About The Position

Leidos’ NISC IV program seeks an Electrical Engineer/Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer to support the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Spectrum Engineering Services Group in Chicago. The group secures, manages, and protects civil aviation spectrum resources to support interference-free operation of FAA communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems across the National Airspace System (NAS).

The engineer will monitor and investigate radio frequency interference (RFI), using desk-based analysis and on-site investigation when needed. The role involves assessing the urgency and impact of reports, analyzing technical data and historical information, identifying interference sources, and applying mitigation practices while minimizing disruption to NAS operations. The engineer will coordinate with system users, engineering leads, regional frequency managers, regulatory bodies, engineering teams, and project managers, and prepare investigation reports for senior management and other stakeholders. Travel within the Central Service Area of the United States is estimated at 25%.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field; coursework in electromagnetics is preferred.
• At least 4 years of relevant experience in RF engineering and radio frequency interference mitigation.
• Experience with spectrum analyzers and direction-finding equipment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to learn FAA-specific software and systems.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must hold a Secret or higher security clearance, or be able to meet the requirements for one.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework in electromagnetics.
• Exposure to RF modeling, frequency assignment tools, or engineering databases.
• Experience with aeronautical maps and chart plotting.
• Ability to interpret technical data and apply mitigation best practices to resolve RF interference affecting aviation systems.
• Ability to perform Free-Space Path Loss calculations, link budgets, and dBW/dBm/watt conversions.
• Knowledge of spectrum management roles and responsibilities within the National Airspace System.
• Knowledge of frequency management practices, including engineering, assignment, and protection of radio frequencies, and the NTIA Redbook.
• Knowledge of and experience with frequency policy organizations, including NTIA, IRAC and its associated subcommittees, and the FCC.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and receive reports of radio frequency interference affecting National Airspace System operations.
• Evaluate the urgency and impact of incoming RFI reports and prioritize responses.
• Conduct desk-based and on-site RFI investigations using historical data, databases, logs, and RF analysis tools.
• Use spectrum analyzers, direction finders, and portable antennas during field investigations to locate interference sources when a physical search is warranted.
• Interpret technical data and apply mitigation best practices to resolve RFI with minimal disruption to NAS operations.
• Coordinate and communicate with system users, engineering leads, and regional frequency managers.
• Prepare reports describing interference issues, investigative methods, findings, and resolutions for senior management and other stakeholders.
• Travel within the Central Service Area of the United States to conduct on-site RFI investigations and analysis.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level